russet

American  

[ruhs-it] / ˈrʌs ɪt /

noun

1. yellowish brown, light brown, or reddish brown.

2. a coarse reddish-brown or brownish homespun cloth formerly used for clothing.

3. any of various apples that have a rough brownish skin and ripen in the autumn.

4. a brownish, roughened area on fruit, resulting from diseases, insects, or spraying.

5. russet Burbank.

6. finished leather that is not yet polished or colored.

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adjective

1. yellowish-brown, light-brown, or reddish-brown.

2. made of russet.

russet British  

/ ˈrʌsɪt /

noun

1. brown with a yellowish or reddish tinge

2. 1. a rough homespun fabric, reddish-brown in colour, formerly in use for clothing

   2. ( as modifier )

      a russet coat

3. any of various apples with rough brownish-red skins

4. abnormal roughness on fruit, caused by parasites, pesticides, or frost

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adjective

1. (of tanned hide leather) dressed ready for staining

2. archaic simple; homely; rustic

   a russet life

3. of the colour russet

   russet hair

Other Word Forms

• russetish adjective
• russetlike adjective
• russety adjective

Etymology

Origin of russet

1225–75; Middle English < Old French rousset, diminutive of rous reddish brown, red (of hair); roux

Explanation

Use the word russet to describe things that are a reddish-brown color, like autumn leaves or your cousin's pretty auburn hair. The adjective russet is great for talking about a particular color — in fact, the most common kind of Idaho potato is the Russet Burbank potato, named for its russet-colored skin. In apples, the word russet doesn't apply to color, but instead to a roughness in the skin. Another meaning of russet is a cheap, rough blanket worn in the Middle Ages by poor people. The root is the Latin word for "red," russus.

Example Sentences

But for some, the true treat will turn out to be the classic oval or oblong-shaped russet spud, good for baking, frying or just plain admiring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

Continued warm weather meant autumn came late this year, but it brought an explosion of colour with some spectacular displays ranging from gold through to russet red, like here on the Wallington Estate in Northumberland.

From BBC • Dec. 26, 2024

The crickets — which are about two inches long and have plump bodies — are turning brick homes, front lawns and beige sidewalks a darker shade of russet.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2023

“A standard russet potato is on average $1.45 each or $1.69 per pound. That equates to four eggs for every pound of potatoes.”

From Washington Times • Apr. 5, 2023

His wings were a combination of russet colors, like a bantam rooster or a lazy sunset.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• cardinal
• coral
• crimson
• flaming
• glowing
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